Being the creative decorator and thoughtful gifter that my mom is, you can imagine what the holidays were like when I was growing up. The wreaths, the pine-draped banisters, the twinkling tree with a cranberry and popcorn garland…her homemade touches made every year’s holiday season special.

Every year my mom would come up with a creative homemade ornament that we could give to all our aunts and uncles. From popsicle stick photo frames to salt dough snowflakes and miniature walnut sledders, every year’s ornament was a fun and festive craft for me and my siblings to do once we went on winter break.